The Department of Pharmaceuticals has established seven Centres of Excellence (CoEs), one at each of the seven National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs), under Component A of the Promotion of Research and Innovation in MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme. A total amount of Rs 1,834.6 million (mn) has been released for setting up these centres up to 31 January 2026. The centres are intended to strengthen institutional capacity and support translational research in the MedTech sector. They will facilitate partnerships and resource sharing among NIPERs and industry partners to advance applied research.

A total of 710 research projects were received from industry, start-ups and MSMEs by the closing date of 19 November 2025, including projects in priority areas that are eligible for higher financial support under the PRIP scheme. Approval for financial assistance under the scheme, including full funding assistance and higher funding assistance to eligible projects, is provided after a multi-stage appraisal process as prescribed under the scheme guidelines.

The information was supplied by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Anupriya Patel, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. The initiative is designed to promote collaboration between academic institutions and the private sector, facilitate technology transfer and nurture start-ups that can translate research into marketable medical devices and solutions. The ministerial reply set out the number of projects received and the financial assistance framework under the scheme.

The scheme is intended to ensure that priority projects receive necessary support through prescribed appraisal and funding mechanisms and to strengthen the pipeline from laboratory research to clinical and commercial application. Officials expect the Centres of Excellence to offer specialised facilities, training and industry engagement that should accelerate the development and deployment of MedTech innovations across the country. The department will continue to monitor progress and disbursement of funds as projects proceed through appraisal stages.